Mini Memoir of a Finny
As a fresh college grad, I had little expectation going into my first job. All I knew was that I wanted to travel. I always loved events and at the end of the day, I was simply looking for somewhere to start learning the ropes of becoming a professional. And as a "Finny", I gained so much more than that.
From the outside looking in, it was such a solid gig. But with anything amazing, there also comes:
Growing pains. Team changes and managing internal morale. Long hours. Interesting pre-show dreams. Tears shed. Navigating the decade of the 20s. Acquisition struggles and wins.
And in the midst of that, all the mishaps, surprises, caffeine, travels for work and play - it’s been a journey, and I’m so thankful and blessed to have shared and built that with you all. When you have a team that brings out the best in you, and walks with you when it's difficult to be your best, it’s one of the hardest chapters to close but it also makes the memories made that much sweeter.
While this only scratches the surface, a few moments that come to mind in no particular order:
- First show in London and getting stranded in Piccadilly Circus to walk at least half of the way back to Tower Bridge, in the snow, in flats, though at least mine didn't have holes in them ;)
- Squats with a pocket knife on an SF dance floor
- Celebrations in a NY penthouse suite, pantyhose & Coors, and the performance of an excellent poetic delivery
- A cozy 6th Ave walk just to get banana pudding at Magnolia Bakery
- Much too much time at the Beijing airport lounge and sampling all the beers and instant noodles. Plus, first business class experience!
- Having the worst posture when being the most productive worker (in bed)
- Prowling on HH apps and drinks at every event
- Stumbling upon friends at Abbey Road
- Climbing out of the office window due to a forgotten key which led to greater safety/back up measures
- Seat switching at celebration dinners and the most random white ele gifts
- White Castle on the balcony of a New Yorker room, a way too big of a room for less than 24 hours in the city
- That moment you share a room in Singapore to save money and realize the bathroom has a window that looks right into the room (then finding "frosting blinds" shortly after)
- Running late to a storage run because of the makings of a healthy smoothie
- Support systems in times of loss, and celebrations in times of happiness
- Beer cheers on a side staircase in Hong Kong to be followed with bottles of Dom the next year
- Winning the scarf contest
- The week of cup noodles and the hotel room sweat shop
- First time MCing and "running" across the stage (in heels) to Turn Down for What
- Ice skating in London during the holidays
- Dipping toes in the Atlantic Ocean for the first time, cuddles and videos of cute animals, and daily sangrias
- Dinner/lunch/breakfast/HH/room service dates
- A family grizzly bears encounter, goats that follow you to the pit, the most delicious backpacking meals, floating, and an excellent patio HH
- Waking up to the ocean (or sea?) with nothing to do for the day, daily.
- Choco for daily breakfast and thermal soaks in Buda
- Riding in the back of the truck for Ivar's lunch
- A month in HK and my first solo hike & camping trip
- All the site visit beers (and Fremont)
- Birthdays spent in London with amazing souls for the past 6 years
Thank you to each and every one of you for being a part of my life, current and past finnies. It feels like I'm graduating high school again - mostly because I loved my time there, and there were sucky parts but also parts that were incredible. Which with that kind of combo really makes a memorable kind of experience. Though it's a bit sad and bittersweet, I'm excited for the possibilities ahead, for all of us.
Thank you for teaching me perseverance. For knowing you can push harder than you think, and on the flip side, remembering to slow down and smell the roses. For what real passion for a cause looks like. For opening up my horizons to all that the world has to offer and the possibilities of what you’re able to give and create.
Cheers to the unexpected, uncharted, the blessings, and possibilities. And in all things, be a light to those you encounter.
